On February 6, the US virtual embassy in Iran released a critical security alert advising all American citizens to leave the country immediately due to escalating risks and disruptions.
The warning cited widespread security measures, including road closures, public transportation halts, and severe internet and mobile network restrictions. Many airlines have canceled or limited flights into and out of Iran, severely impacting air travel options.
“Leave Iran now”, the alert says, adding, “Have a plan for departing Iran that does not rely on US government help.
Due to hostility between the US government and the Iranian regime, US citizens face heightened threats of arbitrary questioning, arrest, and long-term detention, particularly when presenting American passports or showing US ties, the alert reminded people. Iran does not recognise dual nationality, placing dual US-Iranian citizens at additional risk. The alert asks people with dual citizenship to use only their Iranian passport when leaving the country.
The alert suggested US citizens to consider leaving Iran using roads through land borders, listing their options. It informed that as of February 5:
The Armenian land border at Agarak/Norduz is open.
The Turkish land border crossings with Iran are open.
Turkmenistan’s land borders with Iran are also open, but US citizens need special authorisation from the government of Turkmenistan before approaching the border, the alert told.
The alert informed US citizens that Azerbaijan’s land borders with Iran are closed from incoming traffic. It also advised US citizens to not travel to iraq, Afghanistan or towards the Iran Pakistan border.
It is notable here that the US advisory for its citizens to leave Iran has been in place since January. The latest alert is another reminder urging US nationals to leave the country for their own safety amid ongoing hostilities and instability.